Two more trails closed in Smokies

In addition to the 7 trails that were closed last week, rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced the closure of two more trails as a result of the EF-4 tornado that ripped through the west end of Cades Cove on April 27th.

The damage from the storm resulted in more than 4,500 downed trees in the area.

The new closures include the Wet Bottoms Trail, and the Cooper Road Trail from the Beard Cane/Hatcher Mountain Trails junction to the Cades Cove Loop Road.

Here's the full list of trail and backcountry campsite closures:

• Backcountry Campsites 3, 11, 15

• Abrams Falls Trail

• Ace Gap Trail

• Beard Cane Trail

• Cooper Road Trail from the Beard Cane/Hatcher Mountain Trails junction to the Cades Cove Loop Road

• Hannah Mountain Trail is closed from Rabbit Creek Trail junction to Abrams Falls/Little Bottoms Trails junction.

• Hatcher Mountain Trail

• Little Bottoms Trail is closed from Campsite 17 to Abrams Falls/Hannah Mountain Trails junction

• Rabbit Creek Trail

• Wet Bottoms Trail

• All trails leaving from the Abrams Falls trailhead and Abrams Creek Ranger Station are closed to horse riding due to downed trees.

To view a map of the closed trails, please click here.

The park has stressed that no park roads are affected by the storm damage, and that the remainder of the park’s 800 miles of trails remain open. In the Cades Cove area visitors are encouraged to seek alternative trails. Access to Gregory Bald via Parson Branch Road is unaffected. Visitors can stop at any park visitor center for additional advice.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com